5 Ups & 6 Downs From WWE WrestleMania VIII
Ups...
5. The Wrestler Of The '90s
Shawn Michaels first singles 'Grandest Stage' showcase came at the expense of WrestleMania's Mr Reliable, but the newly-gimmicked Tito Santana at least earned his most credible singles outing ever on the show before disappearing from view after a dark match appearance the following year.
El Matador was, on balance, a daft repackage for the long-tenured star, but it did add flavour to his otherwise-flat role as talent enhancement. In contrast, the 'Heartbreak Kid' was almost fully-formed in his new heel persona, save for using his superkick as a set-up spot for several more years.
Michaels had been chomping at the bit to brush off the stigma he felt from being part of The Rockers for so long, and with the sound of the Barber Shop broken glass still echoing around his every evil new move, 'HBK' walked, talked and worked with the confidence of a man twice his age.